FOA
Reference Books (Available
Printed or eBooks)The
fiber book is available in Spanish
and French as well as English.

Lennie's
and Uncle
Ted's Guides are also available as free iBooks on
iTunes.Click on any of the books
to learn more.

It's now
CFOT® The FOA CFOT® (Certified Fiber Optic Technician)
is now a registered trademark. With so many fiber optic techs
holding CFOTs and the CFOT being recognized worldwide as the
foremost certification in fiber optics, the FOA realized the
value of the CFOT required trademark protection.

FOA
Certification

FOA
is the international professional society for fiber
optics. Individuals are certified fiber optic or premises
cabling technicians. Anyone who wishes to join the FOA
must demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs)
in training courses and/or show experience in applying
this technology in their work.

The FOA CFOT®
is the certification for most fiber optic technicians. It is
based on the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs)
deemed necessary for all technicians involved in the
installation of fiber optic networks and is recommended for
anyone involved in the design or management of fiber optic
communications systems. The
FOA also offers certification in premises cabling (CPCT,)
which also includes copper wiring and wireless.

Note:
Techs doing fiber
installation for any particular application should have
a CFOT to be qualified for doing fiber optic
installation work. The CFOT is the basic certification
required for all installation personnel.

Skills-based
certifications are for CFOTs and are available in
splicing, connectors, testing, OSP installation and fiber
characterization.

Applications-based
certifications (FTTH, OLANs, FTTA, DAS and Data Centers)
focus on the design and installation issues of each
particular application and are aimed at a wider audience -
users and managers overseeing these networks, designers
and project managers, supervisors, as well as CFOTs
involved in the installation. CFOTs are not a prerequisite
for applications based certifications so a review of basic
fiber optics needed for the course is available online or
as an introduction to the course.

Fiber
optic network design -This
is a specialist application certification covering fiber
optic network designintended
for network owners, IT personnel, facilities managers,
network designers, estimators or technicians involved in
the design or installation of fiber networks. This
course is especially recommended for network owners and
planners who may not be familiar with the process of
fiber optic network design as it can make their jobs
easier and their projects better.

FOA CFOTs become
certified by one of two methods:

Training at FOA
Approved Schools: The FOA certifications are available
through FOA-approved schools that offer training that
meets FOA standards and provide certifications to the
students. The FOA programs are developed and delivered by
experts in the fiber optic business, most of whom have
over 20 years of experience as technicians, installers,
manufacturers and teachers of fiber optics.

Work to Cert -
direct certification based on industry experience: FOA
also recognizes industry experience and has many CFOTs who
qualified for direct certification based on their
experience in the field.

* Corporate
members are organizations and as such are not certified
but these companies/organizations get discounts on
certifications and renewals among other benefits.

What Is
Certification?

In today's high
tech world, certification is considered proof of
professional status and is often required for jobs. The
FOA was chartered as a professional society to promote
professionalism in fiber optics through education,
certification and standards. FOA certifications are
recognized by the US Department of Labor
and many other organizations worldwide.

The
FOA is a member of ANSI (the American National Standards
Institute). FOA certifications conform to
the international standard for certification bodies,
ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024Conformity
assessment — General requirements for bodies operating
certification of persons.

Certification
means you have achieved certain performance criteria set
by the certifying organization, usually
knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs),
either through training or experience. Certifications
attest to your KSAs, and their value is the recognition of
those KSAs to customers, coworkers and employers.

Certification is not a
license, which is a official approval of an individual to do
business in the jurisdiction issuing the license, such as a
state in the USA. Many states in the USA now require licensing
for contractors installing communications cabling. Check your
local area to determine the requirements for licensing or use
the NECA-NEIS website links below.

What
Is The Value Of Industry-Based Certifications Like The FOA
CFOT? Quoted from a Georgetown
University study on career and technical education:

Industry-based Certifications
(IBCs)

As alternative models in higher education—such as
do-it-yourself (DIY) education, competency-based education,
and e-learning a.k.a. online education—are becoming more
prevalent, the need for a reliable credentialing system has
risen in tandem. This need arises because of the difficulty in
evaluating the reliability of the credentials established by
these alternative systems to ensure
that workers have the knowledge and skills necessary to
perform proficiently on the job.

Industry-based
certifications (IBCs) are one model that is being embraced
by educators, employers, and policymakers. Market
forces, not the educational system, drove the creation of
IBCs. They differ greatly from other kinds of postsecondary
credentials and awards in that they
are exam-based, administered and accredited by third
parties, and developed by the private sector with
little to no involvement from public institutions. They are
not tied to particular programs of study, but can
serve as both alternatives and supplements to traditional
postsecondary awards, such as college degrees and
certificates.

Industry-based
certifications address several problems
that postsecondary credentials currently face: relevance,
accountability, consistency, and portability. Because
industry-based
certifications are more flexible
than traditional degrees, they better reflect current
industry standards and competencies, which are in constant
flux."

FOA
certifications are designed to show a progression of
growth in knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs)
in fiber optics and premises cabling. Most FOA
certificants start with the CFOT®
certification before applying for higher level
certification, usually the CFOT. There are actually more
different certifications for newcomers to the FOA

FOA
Certifications

Designation

Prerequisite

Comments

Primary
Certifications

These
certifications are designed for techs without prior
fiber optic experience who want to learn how to use
fiber optics. Each course involves both knowledge
and skills training. See FOA KSAs (knowledge, skills
and abilities) for each certification.

These
courses are open to anyone interested in learning
how fiber is used in various applications. An
introduction to fiber provides background for
understanding the course. Those not interested in
certification are welcome to take the course for a
Certificate of Completion. (See Note below)

How
fiber optics is used in cellular fiber to the
antenna applications.

Note:
Installation techs are always expected to have a CFOT, CPCT or
CFOS/O and applicable specialist certifications to indicate
their skills appropriate for installation work.

What
Are the Benefits of FOA Certification ?
Like any certification programt, the benefits to those who
pass the certification tests are based on the recognition
of achieving a level of competence in the fiber optics
field. For the end user looking for competent fiber optic
personnel, it is the knowledge that this person has
demonstrated knowledge and ability in the field and,
perhaps even has documented experience. For the vendor of
fiber optic products, it offers a technically-qualified
pool of employees as well as contractors to recommend to
end user customers who need to find installers for their
networks. And, of course, surveys show that certifications
generally lead to higher pay and faster career
advancement.

How Does the FOA
Program Relate to Other Associations?
We are often asked how we relate to other organizations like
contractor associations, professional societies and other
organizations involved in related areas. FOA is a
technology-based professional society, focused on the
technology which is used in many diverse applications
represented by many other organizations. We feel we
complement each other quite nicely. In fact many
organizations recognize and use our certifications and we
work with others to help develop theirs with respect to our
specialties.

How Is
Certification Done?
For the FOA certifications, there is a formal application,
documenting the applicants meeting the requirements and a
certification exam. FOA-Approved Schools generally offer
the CFOT exam at the end of their training classes but may
allow taking it afterwards. For individuals, arrangements
can be made for taking the exam online or on paper with a
local proctor. The proctor may be a supervisor,
instructor, teacher or other professional, but may not be
a co-worker or relative. Credit for hands-on training at
non-FOA-Approved schools will be by presentation of a
certificate or written confirmation from the instructor(s)
that the training has been completed. Credit for industry
experience can be documented by resume. Advanced
certification may require documented experience, so those
who have passed the CFOT wishing higher level
certification should keep records or a logbook of their
experience.

What
Knowledge Is Required?

The basic
knowledge required (see the KSAs)may be gained from formal training classes in FOA
approved schools, picked up from experience in the
field and/or self-study. for example using FOA's free
web-based training site Fiber
U.

FOA
Reference Materials For Certification ExamsFOA
certifications are all based on FOA published reference books
shown below, the FOA
Online Reference Guide (available in English,
Spanish and French),
YouTube
Videos, and the
FOA's web-based training site Fiber
U. FOA
Textbooks(Available
Printed or eBooks - the
printed or Kindle fiber book is available in Spanish
and French)Click
on any of the books to learn more.

How Are Applicant's
Skills Evaluated?
Students in training classes for FOA Certification will be
trained in basic hands-on skills appropriate for the
certification and the instructor will evaluate the student's
abilities to learn these skills. Those applying with field
experience will submit documentation of their experience and
other training plus references which will be evaluated by the
FOA staff.

Studying
For FOA Certification ExamsIf you
are preparing for a FOA exam, either taking a course from an
FOA-approved school or directly from the FOA, you can study
for the exam using the FOA "Fiber
U" self study programs. These self-study programs use
online references from the FOA websites to guide you through
reading material and watching videos, then taking quizzes
which should prepare you for the FOA exams.

Does A FOA
Certification Expire?

FOA
certifications do not expire as long as you remain
actively working in the industry or with the technology
and renew your certification annually. Unless you renew it
and your FOA certification, we assume you are not active
in fiber optics and note that status on our database. If
we get an inquiry from a potential customer or employer,
we will report whether you are certified and whether you
are listed as active or inactive in our database.

Active military
personnel deployed overseas are not required to renew
during that time. We extend active status to all deployed
personnel until they have returned stateside.

If your
certification has expired, refer to the Renewal
Policy to see how you may renew your certification. If you have any
questions regarding your FOA certification, please contact
the FOA office directly.

If you want to become FOA-Certified in fiber optics, there are
several paths available. First you should understand how FOA
Certifications work. Everyone who is FOA-Certified must
begin with a CFOT
and can then work toward higher level certifications. To get
your CFOT, you must show extensive knowledge of fiber optics
and skills in the practices common to the field. How you do
this depends on whether you are currently working in the field
or are just getting started.

Attending FOA Certification
TrainingAt
An FOA-Approved School
If you are just getting started in fiber optics and have no
practical experience, you should get training and become
certified through one of the FOA-Approved
Schools. They offer courses that provide classroom
training which will provide the knowledge you need for the
CFOT exam and the instruction will include labs to develop the
basic skills in fiber optic cable preparation, termination,
splicing and testing required by the CFOT.

Before taking the class, we recommend you study the CFOT-level
material on the FOA
Online Fiber Optic Reference Guide. There is a special CFOT
Study Guide available for preparation for newcomers to
fiber optics that is recommended before you begin your course,
which will help you get more out of the course itself.

Each school will administer the FOA CFOT exam at the end of
the course.

If
You Are Experienced and Currently Working in Fiber
Optics - "Work
to Cert" Direct Certification

If
you are currently working in fiber optics and have been
active for the last two years or more, you may apply
directly to the FOA for certification. You must document
your experience and pass the FOA CFOT or CPCT exam.
Learn more.

Higher Level
Certifications
Once you are FOA certified, you can work toward higher level
certifications. FOA offers CFOS
Specialist Certifications in both skills and
applications. To qualify for higher level certifications, you
can have field experience or take a specialist course
from one of the FOA-Approved
Schools. You should keep a record of your experience in
the field to qualify for specialist certifications. When you
are ready, you can apply for the CFOS exam in any of the
specialties.

Guidelines For Direct FOA Certification

FOA’s “Work To Cert” Program
FOA was founded in 1995 by a group of people representing
manufacturers, contractors, users, military/government and
others, all active in training those who became instrumental
in creating the fiber optic industry. As trainers, we were
particularly concerned by the quality of training newcomers to
the industry were getting, so we developed standards for the
knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) expected of
professionals in the business. Those KSAs became the basis of
the FOA CFOT® certification.

Many students have been trained and certified by FOA-approved
schools. But in addition, thousands of industry professionals
have applied to the FOA directly for certification without the
need for classroom training, based on their knowledge and
skills developed working the field. Included in that group are
most of the current FOA certified instructors teaching in FOA
approved schools.

With the increasing acceptance of FOA certifications, many
experienced field technicians find themselves being required
to have a CFOT® certification for employment, bidding on
and/or working on a project. These are generally not people
who would need to take a traditional CFOT course.

FOA has always had a policy of allowing experienced people to
join the FOA directly and become certified, starting with the
founders and including almost all of our current instructors.
The requirements for direct certification have been clear,
they are simply an extension of our KSAs for students trained
at our schools. We require experience in the field and passing
our first level exam.

FOA’s “Work To Cert” Program makes it easier for experienced
fiber techs to qualify for the FOA certification. Qualifying
experience in the industry of at least two years minimum is
required.

In today's high tech world, certification is considered proof
of professional status and is often required for jobs.
Employers often contact the FOA to confirm the status of a job
applicant. Certification requires actively working in the
field. If the person’s certification is not current, we
confirm when they got their certification, when it expired,
and that if expired, we consider them inactive.

How to renew:
Your expiration date is on your certification ID card.
If you have misplaced the card, you can contact the FOA – we
can check your status and provide you with a new card.

Be sure to give us your latest address, including e-mail, as
that is how we send renewal notices.

How to reestablish expired
FOA certifications?

Under 3 years:
If your FOA certification has expired within the last 3 years,
you may simply renew. Follow the directions as outlined
above.

Over 3 years:
If your FOA certification has expired more than 3 years ago,
you have to re-establish your FOA credentials. You start by
sending in your resume. We will either arrange for you
to re-take the CFOT exam or if you are not working in the
fiber optic field, we will work with you to sign up for a CFOT
review class.

What happens if an individual
does not renew after the 3 year deadline?

The FOA follows international standards for certification that
require that we verify the relevant professional/work status
of everyone we certify. You are either:

1. Active - you have remained in the fiber optic
industry and have renewed your certification every one, two or
three years. We will confirm your status to anyone who
inquires about your credentials.

2. Inactive - If you have not renewed your
certification in 3 years , we will inform anyone who asks that
you took an FOA exam in the past but your certification is
considered inactive - your current professional/work
status in the areas in which you were certified is unknown.

To re-establish your FOA certifications, you start by sending
in your resume. We will either arrange for you to
re-take the CFOT exam online or if you are not working in the
fiber optic field, we will work with you to sign up for a CFOT
review class.

FOA
Certifications Are Recognized By The US Department of
LaborFOA Certifications
have been recognized by the US Department of Labor. The DoL
reviews certifications and how they relate to job
opportunities and training. The DoL
Career OneStop website helps individuals explore
career opportunities to make informed employment and
education choices. The Web site features user-friendly
occupation and industry information, salary data, career
videos, education resources, self-assessment tools, career
exploration assistance, and other resources that support
talent development in today's fast-paced global marketplace.FOA
Certifications Listed By US Department of Labor - Career
OneStop

This website lists all
sorts of interesting information, including what these workers
do in their jobs, how they get trained and certified (where
the FOA is referenced) and something everybody is interested
in - sections on "Pay" and "Job Outlook" - see the red arrow
above.

Where
In The US Do Contractors Need Licenses For Fiber Optics?We often
get asked where in the US do contractors doing fiber optic
installations need licenses. We found a good website for that
information, the NECA -NEIS website. You might remember
NECA-EIS, as they are the partner with the FOA in the NECA/FOA
301 Fiber Optic Installation Standard. NECA is the National
Electrical Contractors Association and NEIS stands for
National Electrical Installation Standards. They have a very
easy to use map and table that gives you data on every state
in the US, so mark these pages for future reference.NECA/NEIShttp://www.neca-neis.org
(See “State Regulations”)http://www.neca-neis.org/state/index.cfm?fa=state_regs
(all electrical licensing)Low
Voltage: http://www.neca-neis.org/state/index.cfm?fa=specialty_licensing